Clipper Guard Lou Williams stopped by the All The Smoke podcast to chat hoops culture with Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson. The Underground Goat shared his experiences in the NBA playing alongside his idol Allen Iverson to winning his first Sixth Man Award in Toronto. Lou Williams is in the discussion for the best 6th Man in NBA history winning the award 3 times in his career. Watching Williams over the course of his career you’d see flashes of an emerging superstar. Lou doesn’t shy away from the big moments; His ability to seize opportunity is just the story of his life. Williams has earned the respect from players such as Kevin Durant, Kobe Bryant, and Allen Iverson. With all his unprecedented success Lou Williams wants to add a NBA Championship to his resume. With the addition of their 2 megastars (Paul George and Kawhi Leonard) Williams believes the Clippers are a top contender.

ca-times.brightspotcdn.com.jpeg — SWEET LOU

Clippers Guard @louwillville

“A lot of the young guys on our team follow our lead because of how we carry ourselves. ”

— Lou Williams

Star In Your Role: Prior to joining the LA Clippers Lou Williams had complications fulfilling a role on a team, he played on 3 teams during a 6 month span. It wasn’t until Coach Doc Rivers and Williams had a meeting to discuss his role and responsibilities as an intricate part of their ball club. In his last 2 season as a Clipper Williams average 20 + points and 5 assists as the 6th man. Williams has embraced his role as a 6th man throughout his career and gives credit to Doc Rivers for providing him with that golden opportunity to flourish. Williams won his first NBA Sixth Man Award in 2015 playing with the Toronto Raptors; He marks that as his most memorable award.

2. “One and Done”: The NCAA system has continued to benefit off its student-athletes. Lou Williams isn’t a fan of the whole “one and done” rule because it inhibits players from pursuing their dreams and getting paid. If you go to college for a year, you’re not getting an education so there isn’t really a point for this rule. Williams was a McDonald’s All-American and joined Kevin Garnett, Kobe Bryant, and LeBron James as players who made that jump into the NBA. With the wave of new talent (LaMelo Ball, R.J. Hampton, Bronny James) we’re starting the see players find different routes to the NBA, ultimately foreseeing the option of college. Personally, I think it’s time for the NBA to consider revoking the “One-and Done” rule or create a vehicle for student-athletes to go pro.

“I never been a fan of the NCAA. My senior year in high school I couldn’t find a reason to go to college. ”

— Lou Williams

3. Upcoming NBA Stars: Now in his 15th Season, Lou Williams is the vet in the locker room; he’s is paying it forward just like his vets did to him during the early stages of his career. When asked about some of his favourite upcoming NBA players he spoke highly about Rookie sensation Ja Morant. Morant has made an easy debate for Rookie of the Year. Morant leads all rookies in scoring and assists. Another emerging star Lou mentioned is Oklahoma City guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, the two spend a lot of time over the summer working out and playing in pick-up runs. Williams expects nothing but great things for his former teammate and has high hopes for his future in the NBA.

“It hurt when Shai left because you can see him get better everyday. You literally watched him grow!”

— Lou Williams

Lou Williams continues writing his story; from a late second round pick to winning three Sixth Man Awards. Williams never loses sight on the importance of putting in the work each year and it shows. Williams scored over 13,000 career points and is currently averaging 22 points per contest. The Georgia native shares his insights about how much the NBA game continues to develop throughout its course. Williams is one who never played for any recognition and that’s what keeps him on edge; Williams has never been named an all-star but his numbers would state otherwise. When we start the debate for the best sixth man in NBA history names such as Jamal Crawford, Manu Ginobili, Tony Kukoc, and Lamar Odom all come to mind. You can make the argument that Williams is the NBA’s best sixth man. Some call him Sweet Lou, Uncle Lou, but he’s an Underground Goat.

Special Thanks: @allthesmoke , @slamonline, @laclippers

Athlete: Lou Williams (@louwilliams)

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XgqeMEVQLAk&t=3122s

Producer: TGQ INC.

Chris Boucher’s road to the NBA wasn’t promising, growing up in one of Montreal’s toughest neighborhoods; Chris used basketball as a way out. During his mid-teen year Boucher faced many trials and even admitted to being homeless sleeping on his friends couches. While Attending Alma Prep in Quebec Boucher went on to met friend and now manager Ibrahim Appiah. Before you know it Boucher was flourishing as a top player in the US, where he caught the attention from Coach Dana Altman. Boucher attended the University of Oregon for two season playing alongside fellow Canadians Dillon Brooks and Dylan Ennis. During his time at Oregon Chris Boucher led to ducks to the elite eight. It was at this moment where Boucher saw the possibility of entering the NBA.

“From 16-18 I’m Homeless, I’m going to friends house or whatever. Basically I had to find my own way and figure out what I wanted to do in life.”

— Chris Boucher

During his senior campaign Boucher suffered an ACL injury during the Pac-12 Championship Tournament. Because of his ACL injury Boucher’s stock dropped drastically and as a result he went undrafted.. In 2017 The Golden State Warrior signed Boucher on a 2-way deal where Chris got to play for their G-League affiliate team. In his first season with the warriors Boucher struggled to find his way in the league and it was a learning process for him. After Boucher’s rookie season he signed with the Toronto Raptors. This was the golden opportunity that Boucher needed. Injuries plagued that Raptors roster, which gave Boucher more minutes with the Raptors 905. In 28 games Boucher averaged 25 ppg while shooting 46 % from deep. Later that season Boucher was named NBA G-League MVP and Defensive Player of The Year, being the first player to do so in the same season.

“ Everything changed I went from being a 10 minute guy in the G-League to a MVP and defensive player of the year, and after that I won a Championship.”

— Chris Boucher

Boucher spoke on his experiences in the G-League and how it impacted his career thus far. in two seasons Boucher won 2 NBA titles ( Warriors, Raptors) , G-League MVP award, and Defensive Player of the year award. From being homeless at 16 to this, it’s safe to safe that Boucher has reached the mountaintop. This past summer Boucher got the chance to celebrate his championship back in his hometown. Montreal isn’t known for their unique sports culture but now, they’re apart of the story. Boucher reflects on his childhood life and feels grateful that he has the chance to share his successes with the place the raise him. The work doesn’t stop; Boucher is motivated to bring another championship back to his hometown in Montreal. C’est La Vie!

“I say to kids all the time if they say you can’t fly, then try to fly. For a minute I never thought I was going to get here. ”

— Chris Boucher

Thanks: @vicesports, @raptors, @nbagleague, @rocnationsports

Athlete: Chris Boucher (@slimmduck)

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Underground King | Lou Williams / November 27, 2019 by Hussein Abdullahi

Chris Boucher | Road To The NBA / November 6, 2019 by Hussein Abdullahi